German-imported cattle tested for BSE, all return negative

AMES, Iowa – The National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa, has reported there was no evidence of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in brain tissue collected from 16 German-imported cattle euthanized at Texas A&M University in early April.

The animals were imported from Germany to Texas in 1996, before mad cow disease was diagnosed in that country.

As a safety precaution, the German-imported cattle in Texas had been restricted to their premises since March 1997. The animals were transported to Texas A&M University in early April, where a veterinary team, headed by USDA’s Dr. Gary Svetlik, euthanized the animals and collected brain tissue for testing from each animal. The animals’ carcasses were incinerated and did not enter the food chain.

One Texas producer imported four head of the German animals. He sold one animal for diagnostic purposes and agreed to sell another for testing in about 45 days, but does not want to sell the remaining two animals.

The remaining animals are under restriction and surveillance by a USDA field veterinarian. The owner also is instructed to report any health problems so the animals can be re-examined immediately.